In which I blog about writing, YA fiction and the occasional sparkly unicorn.

Friday, October 12, 2012

To Kill or not to Kill?

I'm currently worrking on the second draft of my WIP. Essentially, it's a dark paranormal/horror YA. There is a murdering ghost, a haunted house, a witch, etc. It's going quite well.

Except for the fact that I think I'm going to have to kill my main character.

Don't ask me why. For some reason, I just feel that the story will lose all its impact if the MC survives. But now I have to decide, who else is going to die?

Should I kill off her mother, to make the MC's death even more depressing? Or will that make her death lose some of its punch because she now has less to lose? Should I just kill the MC and have her mother be heartbreakingly sad about her death? *sigh* SO MANY DECISIONS.

And then there is the fact that I know some readers hate it when the MC dies at the end. I don't want to alienate a bunch of readers.

So, anyone out on the blogosphere have suggestions? Comments? Concerns about my mental health?

P.S.-- Have a gif of my writing process at the moment:


2 comments:

  1. Hey Hannah,
    It is so interesting seeing fellow writers struggle with the same kinds of issues we all face at one time or another.

    It is hard to say if killing your main character will be the right call. I would say if that truly feels right for your story then don't betray the story. While you do rosk allianting some readers, I think if this choice really serves the story well that those readers you do not alianate will really appreciate your authentic style which will lead to more dedicated readership.

    Hope that helps some and good luck with these decisions.

    Also, I have given you a Liebster award over at my blog. Check my Liebster Award blog post for more details :)

    Congrats!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the advice! I agree, I think the character just has to die. Hopefully there are still some readers out there that won't hate me :)

      And thanks for the award! I'll definitely pass it on :)

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